Sealed with Justice, page 10
“Any of these guys could be the one shooting at us,” she argued with annoyance. “Except for Joe Jamison, I think he’s more afraid of the actual killer.”
Hudson didn’t say anything for a long moment. She could tell he didn’t like the idea of her being a part of this. “I’m going to see if Corey will have a drink with me later. I’d like you to stay somewhere close while we meet.”
“I don’t want you to meet with him.” Hudson’s steely blue eye locked on hers.
“I understand, but you shouldn’t underestimate me. I work with surgeons every day, I think I can hold my own.”
Hudson dropped his chin to his chest. Echo came over to rest his head on his owner’s knee as if sensing his distress.
“Please, help me do this,” she said softly. “I’ll feel more comfortable if you’re someplace close watching over me.”
After what seemed like an hour, he finally raised his head, glum resignation in his gaze. “Fine. Where exactly do you plan to meet him?”
It was a good question. She wasn’t familiar enough with the town to know which pubs and taverns had survived over the years. “Do you think Flannigan’s Irish Pub is still around?”
“No clue.” Hudson gestured to her phone. “Look it up.”
She did and was surprised to see Flannigan’s was indeed still open for business. Then she remembered it was one of the places where Hudson had worked while they were in high school. “I’m sorry, I forgot you used to work there. I can try to find somewhere else to meet.”
“Why? It’s fine.” He waved a hand. “I didn’t mind that job. It was only when my mother would show up and start drinking that things turned ugly.”
She winced. Taunts and slurs had often been aimed at Hudson and his mother. “I hate knowing how poorly you were treated back then.”
He shrugged. “No point in living in the past. I’ve endured far worse during several deployments overseas.”
Humbling to realize how Hudson’s troubled youth had helped mold him into the impressive man he was today. He was right. There was no point living in the past.
Olivia’s smiling face flashed in her mind. Yeah, some days were easier than others.
“I think I can find a place inside the bar to hang out while you meet with Robinson,” he went on. “The interior is shaped like a sideways L. The main bar takes up most of the space, but there’s a small alcove off to the right where I can watch without being seen.”
She nodded. “Okay, that works. I’ll give him a call later.”
“I was thinking about Dave Nevins,” Hudson went on. “It would be interesting to know his work schedule. The silver SUV was a personal vehicle, not an unmarked cop ride. I don’t have any social media accounts, but can you look him up on your phone?”
“Yes.” She entered Dave Nevins name, but nothing came up. Then she went back to Andrew’s account and found him as a friend under his full name, David Nevins. She held up her phone. “Want to see a recent photo?”
Hudson nodded and sat beside her on the bed. His musky male scent reminded her of their heated kiss. “Is that him?”
“Uh, yeah.” She cleared her throat and forced herself to concentrate. “He’s aged better than Corey, that’s for sure.”
“Yeah,” Hudson agreed absently. “I wonder if he did some time in the military.”
She quickly scrolled through several photos, finding one of David wearing army green. “You’re right, he did.”
“I thought so.” Hudson met her gaze. “Could be that Dave has more integrity than Andrew or Corey.”
“Just because he was in the army?” she asked doubtfully. “I’m pretty sure bad guys end up in the service.”
“They do, but his record must be clean if he was able to get a job as a cop.” He blew out a frustrated breath. “I could call my senior chief, see if he can find out more about Nevins’s background in the service.”
“Would they really talk about their former soldiers?” she asked.
“Doubtful.” The corner of his mouth tipped up in a wry smile. “Who would have thought I’d miss the ability to get inside intel?”
“I’m sure it hasn’t been easy for you to adjust to civilian life,” she murmured. “Twenty years is a long time to serve.”
“Is there anything in his social media that indicates when he was discharged from the army?” Hudson asked. “I’m assuming he didn’t have a medical discharge since he made it through the police academy.”
She scrolled through the information, which thankfully wasn’t restricted by privacy settings. Something she found a little odd for a cop. Many of the cops she’d met while working in the trauma ICU made a point of staying off social media.
Given the unrest over the past few years, she couldn’t blame them.
Boise wasn’t Portland, and the smaller towns functioned more like social networks anyway, so it was possible that David wasn’t too worried.
“Here, looks like he got out about ten years ago.” She showed Hudson a photograph of David being sworn in as a newly minted cop. “Maybe you’re right about him. He’s still a suspect because he found Zoey’s body, which may have been because he’d known where to look. It can’t hurt to talk to him.”
“That’s what we thought about Joe,” Hudson said wryly.
“True.” She glanced at the time. “How much longer before we pick up our vehicles? I’ll feel better about my dad’s safety when I can pretend to leave my father’s house to head back to Portland.”
“Should be soon.” Hudson stared at her. “There’s still time for you to change your mind about returning to Portland.”
She rolled her eyes. “I won’t.” They sat in silence for a few minutes until her phone rang. Recognizing Steve’s name on the screen, she quickly answered. “Hi, Steve.”
“Hey, your sedan and Hudson’s Jeep are ready to be picked up.”
“Thank you. We’ll be there very soon.” She disconnected from the call and stood. “Let’s go.”
“Do you mind walking?” Hudson asked as he strode toward the door. “It’s only a mile from here.”
“Not at all.” She jumped to her feet, glad to have an excuse to move. Bedside nursing was hard work with long hours of standing on your feet. But having surgery made her realize that sitting around with nothing to do was far worse.
The route Hudson chose kept them off the main thoroughfare. When they arrived at the garage, Hudson spoke to the service man first, then came out to hand her the keys to her car. “It’s all set.”
She frowned. “Where do we pay?”
“I took care of it.”
“Why would you do that?”
“Because I wanted to thank you for supporting me during that migraine.”
“I don’t need to be repaid for helping you, Hudson. I’m a nurse. I could never leave someone lying in pain.”
“I’m still grateful.” He gestured toward her car. “Head back to your father’s house and pack your things. I’ll wait for you at the motel. Make sure you drive around back, that bright red car is fairly noticeable.”
“I will.” She slid behind the wheel, hoping and praying this plan would work. Her dad was the only family she had left in the world. She couldn’t bear the thought of him being in danger.
Hudson opened the back of his Jeep for Echo. The dog nimbly jumped inside. As he walked around to the driver’s side, he frowned when he noticed Joe’s truck rumbling past.
Without hesitation, he jumped inside the Jeep and followed him.
He didn’t own a fancy phone, but he was able to shoot off a quick text warning Kendra he might be late meeting her at the motel. When she texted back asking why, he simply said they’d talk later.
Tailing Joe’s truck wasn’t difficult, it was large and easily seen from a distance. Of course, that worked against Hudd too. But he doubted Joe knew he drove a blue Jeep. He didn’t believe the guy was the one who’d shot at them, tried to run them off the road, or slashed their tires.
But he felt certain the guy knew something that would help them get to the bottom of Zoey’s murder. And these recent attempts against them.
He expected Joe to be headed to his next drop-off location, but the guy pulled up in front of a small white house. Using the binoculars, he watched as the guy hurried inside.
Moments later, Joe emerged with a kid who looked about ten or eleven years old. He also had a small suitcase in one hand. Fear was etched on Joe’s features, and Hudson knew his hunch about the child being in danger was dead-on.
No wonder Joe had reacted so strongly to Kendra’s question about Zoey’s murder.
All roads lead back to Andrew Barkley and Corey Robinson, he thought grimly. Who else would have the power to instill that level of fear? So much so that Joe was getting his son out of harm’s way.
It bothered him that the kid was in danger. He’d spent his entire adult life protecting the innocent. He shoved open his car door and ran over to where Joe was helping his son get inside.
“I’m a former Navy SEAL, and I can protect your son.”
Joe’s eyes widened. “Hudson? How did you find me?”
“The truck.” He stepped closer. “I know you’re scared, and I don’t blame you. But I can protect you and Joe Junior if you help me.”
Indecision flashed across Joe’s features. “I’m just taking Joey to see his grandparents in Boise.”
“The only problem with that plan is Andrew, Corey, and the others know who your parents are. It wouldn’t be difficult for either of them to use their respective resources to track down your family.”
Joe’s shoulders slumped as he realized Hudd was right.
“I don’t understand what’s going on, Dad,” Joe Junior said. “Why this sudden rush to get me to Grandma and Grandpa’s house? I’m only off school today and tomorrow. I have to be back on Monday.”
“I can help protect you,” Hudd repeated. “I have a German shepherd named Echo who is a great guard dog.”
After what seemed like an eternity, Joe reluctantly nodded. “Okay, but we have to hurry. I don’t want to take any chances.”
“Agree.” Hudson gestured toward the truck. “Leave this here for now. I’ll drive both of you to a local motel. We’ll have you stay there until it’s safe.”
“Are you really a Navy SEAL?” Joey asked.
“Yes.” Hudd met the boy’s gaze. “I know you must have questions, but we can talk later. After you’re safe.”
“Why are you doing this?” Joe asked as he and the boy climbed into the back seat of Hudson’s Jeep.
“Because kids shouldn’t be used as pawns,” Hudd said curtly.
“You’re right. They shouldn’t.” Joe stared down at his hands for a long moment. “Thank you.”
Hudd met his gaze in the rearview mirror. Echo sniffed at Joe and his son through the crate. He was glad the dog didn’t growl. “Neither should women. Did you know that Kendra Pickett has been shot at twice and nearly run off the road?”
Jamison paled. “Why?”
“Because she’s been asking questions about Zoey’s murder. Like why it hasn’t been solved over the past twenty years.” Hudd drove to a different motel from the one he was staying in. Going back to the same place where the detectives knew his room number wasn’t smart. “We need to understand what happened back then. Before there’s another attempt to hurt Kendra.”
Jamison looked at his son, who was momentarily preoccupied with Echo. “Nice doggy,” Joey murmured.
“I don’t know anything about Zoey’s death,” Joe protested.
Hudd didn’t believe him. “You know enough to get your son out of harm’s way.”
Jamison winced. “My son is the most important person in the world to me.”
Hudd nodded. “I can understand that. But are you willing to stand by and watch more innocent women die?”
Jamison turned to stare out the window. When Hudd pulled into the parking lot, he shifted the Jeep into park and killed the engine. “Stay here. I’ll get a room for you.”
“Okay,” Jamison agreed.
Hudd went inside, secured two connecting rooms, then hurried back outside. He drove around the back of the motel, parking near the dumpster. “Let’s go. We’ll get Joey settled with a movie, then we’ll talk.”
Jamison didn’t argue. Hudd texted Kendra to let her know the change in plans. She sent back a thumbs-up emoji.
“Is there a swimming pool?” Joey asked.
“Afraid not.” Hudd handed Jamison a key. “Unlock the connecting door when you get in.”
After entering his own room, he unlocked the connecting door. Finding the other side still locked, he lightly rapped on it. Echo sat beside him. After a few minutes, Jamison pulled the door open. “I found a Star Wars movie for Joey to watch.”
“Good.” Hudd stepped back and gestured for Jamison to join him. “Echo, come.”
The dog wagged his tail and followed Hudd into Jamison’s room. Joey was stretched out on the bed, his eyes glued to the TV. “Guard, Echo.”
“He can stay with me?” Joey asked in surprise.
“For now, yeah.” He left the boy and dog together, returning to his room. A few minutes later, his phone rang. “Yeah?”
“It’s me,” Kendra said. “Which room are you in?”
“One ten.” He disconnected from the line. “Kendra will be joining us.”
Jamison blew out a breath, looking nervous. “I don’t really know anything,” he said again.
Hudd held up a hand to stop him. “Enough. You either cooperate with us, or I’ll drop you and Joey back at your place. You can take your chances with your parents watching over him.”
“I thought you said kids shouldn’t be used as pawns?” Jamison protested.
“They shouldn’t. But this is serious, Jamison. Jeanie Mayberry has been murdered, and I have no intention of letting Kendra become the next victim.”
A knock at the door interrupted whatever Jamison was about to say. Hudd peered through the peephole, then opened the door for Kendra.
“I don’t understand,” Kendra said, glancing between them. “What’s going on? Why is Joe here?”
“His son is in the next room,” Hudd informed her. “Echo is watching over him.” Then he turned to Jamison. “Why don’t you explain why you felt the sudden need to get Joey out of town?”
Kendra gaped in surprise. “You did?”
“He was planning to take him to his parents in Boise, but I convinced him to come here instead so that Echo could help keep them both safe.”
Jamison stood and began to pace. “I overheard some of the guys talking after Zoey’s murder. They didn’t know I’d come into the locker room that following Monday, and they were laughing over the fact that Hudson was the prime suspect in Zoey’s murder.”
“Old news,” Hudd said curtly. “Go on.”
“One of the guys mentioned you had an alibi,” Jamison continued. “But Andrew said that wasn’t true and that Hudd would be arrested for Zoey’s murder.”
The guy wasn’t telling him anything he didn’t already know. Hudson reined in his temper with an effort. “Then what?”
“One of them asked what would happen if you weren’t arrested.” Jamison’s voice had dropped to a whisper. “Someone else said that no matter what happened, they needed to stick together.”
“They, meaning the football team?” Kendra asked.
Jamison nodded. “The star players of the football team,” he clarified. “Then Robinson said that the truth didn’t matter.”
Hudd could barely control his frustration. “That hardly seems enough to make you haul Joey out of town.”
Jamison collapsed onto the edge of the bed. “Robinson said the truth didn’t matter because it would never come to light. Whether you were arrested or not. That’s when I dropped one of my shoes, the cleats made a loud sound on the floor. Andrew came over and found me standing there. He dragged me to the others, demanding to know what I’d heard.”
“What did you tell them?” Kendra asked.
“I tried to bluff my way out, but neither Corey nor Andrew believed me. Andrew grabbed me by the shirt and slammed me against the wall. He pushed so hard I had bruises all over my chest the next day, worse than when I played in a game.” Jamison swallowed hard. “He told me that I needed to keep my mouth shut about whatever I overheard because snitches ended up dead.”
Hudd glanced at Kendra, hoping she’d reconsider he plan to meet with Corey later. “So why do you think your son is in danger?”
“Because Robinson chimed in. I don’t remember his exact words, but it was something along the lines of if you don’t care about yourself, think about what we’ll do to your family.” Jamison lifted his hands. “They were mean back then, and that hasn’t changed over time. I’m not about to take any chances. Not with my son.”
“I don’t blame you,” Kendra soothed. “I would feel the same way.”
Hudd scrubbed his hands over his jaw. The fear in Jamison’s eyes was real, but his information wasn’t much help.
The only thing they could say for sure was that one of the football players had to be responsible for Zoey’s death.
But which one?
Chapter Nine
One of her classmates had killed Zoey. And Jeanie too. Nausea rolled in her stomach at the possibility of Corey being the murderer. She’d dated him. Kissed him. Made out with him.
Thankfully she hadn’t slept with him. Which was the reason he’d dumped her.
Not that she’d been heartbroken. Quite the opposite. At the time, she’d felt an overwhelming sense of relief. She was headed to college in Portland on a partial scholarship anyway, so she hadn’t missed him at all.
She met Hudson’s gaze and could read the concern reflected there. He’d want her to forget about her idea to get information from Corey, but she couldn’t do that. If anything, it was more critical than ever to talk to him.
“You’re sure you don’t have any idea who murdered Zoey?” Hudson pressed Joe. “Why would her own brother want to cover up his sister’s murder?”
Joe stared down at the floor for several moments. “I don’t know why Andrew would want to cover it up unless he was the one responsible. But I swear I have no idea which one of them killed her.”
